What Are Kitchen Sinks Made From?

Kitchen sinks are available in a range of materials types and sizes to suit any kitchen and to compliment any style of taps. Buying a kitchen sink can be confusing here’s a quick guide to familiarise yourself with the materials kitchen sinks are made from.

Composite

Composite sinks are made of quartz or granite which is crushed and then mixed with a resin filler. Composite sinks are extremely tough with excellent scratch and heat resistance they’re easy to clean also and available in many different designs and finishes.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the most popular kitchen sink material lightweight and robust while boasting the same heat and scratch-resistance of composite sinks. Stainless steel sinks are available in different gauges. The thickness doesn’t really affect the overall strength, although the more expensive thicker gauges are less prone to denting and less noisy. Available in standard or polished finishes.

Ceramic

Ceramic sinks are formed from clay and extremely high temperatures in a furnace and then coated with porcelain enamel. Ceramic sinks are standard in traditional style kitchens. Care needs to be taken as ceramics not as tough as stainless steel or composite sinks, and if dropped they will crack, they must be installed and used carefully. Throwing pots and pans in the sink is not a good idea don’t be put off though some common sense and careful use will ensure years of excellent service.

Cast Iron

Cast iron sinks have been around since the kitchen sink was invented. Iron is coated with porcelain enamel. This gives the sink a shiny finish making it easy to clean while preventing rusting.
Cast iron sinks are not cheap, but they will last you many years the enamel finish will protect against any scratching or staining.
Cast iron sinks are heavy needing two people to lift them into position, and they must have strong support underneath to ensure they stay in place.

Resin Sinks

If you’re on a budget, then the resin sink’s an option they are the cheapest of all sinks but still have excellent scratch and heat resistant properties and still look good.

Glass

Glass sinks look great. If you want to add a shiny aspect to your kitchen, then the glass sink may be the way to go. Glass doesn’t stain or scratch easily, and it’s heat resistant. Glass, however, is not as durable as the other types of sinks so must be fitted carefully (ideally by an experienced kitchen fitter)